Fruitful July Fields Numerous Offers For Bynum

There may not be a hotter prospect from the month of July than that of New Jersey center Andrew Bynum. The 6-foot-11, 270-pound center from St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen, N.J., has the size, raw skill level, potential and youthfulness that make him an attractive recruit. His play helped his New Jersey All-Stars squad claim the AAU Super Showcase. Now, he’s sifting through more than two dozen offers.

After playing at the Nike All-American camp, Peach Jam and the AAU Super Showcase, it is fair to say Bynum has played in front of every head coach in the country. He’s sparked the interest of the likes of North Carolina, UConn, Rutgers, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Georgia and others.

“It’s been crazy, real crazy,” Bynum said. “Coaches have been calling, sometimes four times a day. My phone doesn’t stop ringing.”

Bynum said he’s heard from new names like Southern Cal, Illinois, Virginia Tech and others this month. “I’m up to 30 offers right now,” Bynum said.

The big man, who will debut on the class of 2005 rankings next week in the top 50, said he doesn’t have any visits planned at this point but could get things set in stone come August or September.

“I might wait until after the season to make a decision,” he said. “I’m looking for the right opportunity.”

At 16, Bynum is a young player with good skills for a prospect with his size. Rivals.com National Basketball Scout Jerry Meyer sees what the college recruiters like in the Jersey native.

“With his enormous reach and huge size, Bynum is a potential NBA center,” Meyer said. “The keyword for Bynum is potential. He is too heavy in the upper body and not in good enough shape to keep up with the pace of NBA or high major basketball.

“Once he makes it to the paint, however, he is a force to be reckoned with. He does not have the agility or quickness to make sophisticated post moves, but he is big enough to catch, pivot, and score over most defenders. He also has the hands to go up and catch a lob pass in traffic.”

Stay logged on to Rivals.com as the new class of 2005 rankings come out with Bynum’s name amongst the nation’s best.